National cartoonist Dave Granlund's blog features his take on politics and current events -- in cartoon form

Keck's Exclusives: Casting the NCIS: Los Angeles Spin-Off

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By Dave Granlund

National cartoonist Dave Granlund's blog features his take on politics and current events. Dave has been an editorial cartoonist published in daily newspapers since 1977. Born in Ware, Mass., Granlund began drawing cartoons in grade school and at
...

National cartoonist Dave Granlund's blog features his take on politics and current events. Dave has been an editorial cartoonist published in daily newspapers since 1977. Born in Ware, Mass., Granlund began drawing cartoons in grade school and at age 16, he was published on the editorial pages of local weekly newspapers. His eight-year enlistment in the USAF included assignments with SAC HQ and with Headquarters Command, where his duties included work as head illustrator for the Presidential Inaugural Subcommittee and providing briefing charts for the White House and support for Air Force One. As part of NATO in Operation Looking Glass with the Airborne Command Post, he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Dave's newspaper honors include awards from UPI, New England Press Association, International Association of Business Communicators, The Associated Press and Massachusetts Press Association. His work has been nominated numerous times for the Pulitzer Prize. His pastimes and interests include history, wood carving, antique tractors and Swedish language studies.

Would CBS' NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles be monster successes if such charismatic actors as Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette, LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell hadn't been cast in the leading roles? Probably not. Now Shane Brennan, exec producer of the franchise, is hoping to spin off yet another series. This one, scheduled to test-launch as a special episode of NCIS: L.A. this spring, centers on a mobile organization called Red Team. Here are the major roles currently being cast, along with some recommendations of actors who might be looking for work.

Special Agent Paris S.Age: Early 40s Qualities: Alluring, athletic and flirtatious, with a high I.Q. and a sharp tongue Past: She has two ex-husbands, no kids and a Ph.D. in chemistry. Hobbies include golf and pistol shooting (she competed in the Olympics). Prefers to work solo. Dream casting:Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead's Lori Grimes)

Special Agent Roy Q.Age: Mid 40s Qualities: Ruggedly handsome, wise and somewhat damaged Past: He was forced to retire from active service and is now employed as Red Team's operations manager. Has a past with Paris, but hasn't seen her in seven years. Dream casting:Adrian Pasdar (Heroes' Nathan Petrelli)

Special Agent Clara H.Age: Early 30s Qualities: Worldly, athletic and charming; skilled driver with a passion for photography Past: She earned a master's in international politics and a law degree from Harvard. Her dad was a war correspondent, and she's fluent in several languages. Dream casting:Erica Durance (Smallville's Lois Lane)

Technical Assistant Kai A.Age: Early 20s Qualities: Bright, witty, likable and tech-savvy Past: Known as "Mr. Fix-It," he's a computer engineer with a degree from MIT who was raised by his grandmother in South Central Los Angeles. Dream casting:Malcolm David Kelley (Lost's Walt)